Sealing device



J. F. JoY 2,415,888

SEALING DEVICE Filed April4 21, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 18, 1947.

I/l/l/ SH01 up Feb. 18, 1947. ,1 F, JOY

SEALING DEVICE Filed April 21, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 fluid-mm dueph Fl Jcy Feb. 18, 1947. J. F. JOY 2,415,888

SEALING DEVICE Filed April 21, 19425 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Figimdnaeph 'E LIDy Sttouuap Feb. 1s, 1947.

SEALING DEVICE Filed April 21, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IFRS' /43 1.55 "62 /40 ,52 /54 ,6, f\ 3mm 15.5' l dna-:Eph E day /53 "3 M aawmpxfw /57 Patented Feb. 18, 1947 N UNITED s'rA'rr-:s

PATENT OFFICE il Claims.

(Granted under amended the act of March 8, 1883. as

April 8l. 1928: 370 0. G. '157) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to improvements in sealing elements of the type embodying a rigid mounting base or support in combination with a resilient wiping and searching element. which element prevents the flow of uid between movin! and stationary parts of mechanisms associated with vehicles and particularly military vehicles. such as army tanks and artillery carriages.

Equipment of this nature under the stress of battle conditions is subjected to a service of such severity as to frequently exceed the endurance capacity of seals commonly used heretofore. Such common seals as have been used in the past usually consist of a garter or linger spring. a loaded flexible memberl contacting the moving element of the iournal and -encased within a pressed steel or other metal container. The flexible member is usually of leather or other similar material incapable of withstanding the high contact speeds imposed upon them in the class of service above mentioned. As a result, it frequently happens that the sealing lips are rapidly worn away. allowing the garter springs to make contact with and score the rotating part to such a degree as to preclude effective sealing, even through the replacement of seals which have thus become defective.

To overcome this defect. it has been the practice to harden the shaft or Journal surfaces at the point of seal contact. While this measure is effective to a certain degree. it does not entirely overcome the wear of such parts and when such wear does occur, the entire rotating part as well as the seal itself must be replaced.

It has been found further that conventional seals require precision machining of parts for the securement of eilfective sealing and no provisions have been made for t of parts such as must always be expected when the mechanisms are subjected to the severe service of battle conditions.

Having the foregoing in mind then. one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a seal of more simple, eilective and practical construction capable of withstanding the severe operating conditions imposed by modern high-speed mechanism.

Another obieot of the invention is to provide a device which will have an effective sealing effect even though the parts may be out of alignment to a limited extent.

A further obiect of the invention is to provide means for the renewal of the sealing face as well as that of the seal itself.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a seal of a general character which will effectively perform its function between stationary and rotating or reciprocating parts to thus prevent the passage of uid either in the presence or absence of high pressure.

A still further and more specific object of the invention is to provide a seal having a rigid metallic base or supporting member to which is secured a flexible member wherein the sealing wall thereof is normally angularly disposed but which will be moved to parallelism when the seal is inserted in a cavity.

Another object of the invention is to provide for a standardization of seals and sealing faces of such a character that they may be produced in large quantities of standardized dimensions.

Other objects and purposes of the invention will become apparent upon a. reading of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings showing preferred em- 2s bodiments of the invention, wherein:

Fig. l is a transverse sectional view of a sealing device intended to be used for fixed mounting at its outer circumference and provided with sealing lips at its inner circumference for contact with a journal or shaft where relative movement occurs between a journal and its enclosure;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of a sealing device similar to Fig. 1 but arranged for ilxed mounting on its inner circumference and provided with sealing lips lat its outer circumference;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of the type of sealing ring shown in Fig. l 4 in combination with a hardened renewable wearing member;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but showing the sealing member introduced into the retaining cavity in the opposite direction;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the type of sealing ring disclosed in Fig. 2 in association with a hardened renewable wearing member;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a mechanism commonly employed in supporting artillery wheels and the like. showing the manner in which the type of seals shown in Figs. l and 2 are assembled therewith;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section through a con- 'l' ventional hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, show- 3 ing the piston packing box thereof employing seals of the character shown in Fig. 1, wherein they are employed for preventing flow of fluid along the piston rod from the interior to the exterior thereof;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal section oi' a cylinder and piston wherein seals of the character shown in Fig. 2 may be used:

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through a double acting cylinder in which the piston head is fitted with a plurality of seals of the type shown in Fig. 2, to function as a piston head packing;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view of a modliied form of my invention where the rigid support is provided with a bearing surface rearwardly of the flexible sealing lips, which in this instance are on the inner circumference;

Fis. l1 is a transverse sectional view similar to Fig. 10, wherein the flexible sealing lips are on the outer circumference;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary transverse section showing the type of sealing member shown in Fig. 10 associated with a special replaceable wearing member;

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view of a common gear-type hydraulic pump, showing the manner in which a seal of the type shown in Fig. l0 would be employed t0 overcome leakage of fluid under pressure from the inside of the pump to the exterior along its driving shaft:

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a device showing a typical application of the sealing member shown in Fig. l1;

Fig. 16 is a transverse section of a seal having a rigid metallic supporting member arranged to be secured on its inner circumference having the flexible sealing faces arranged for contact with a radially disposed surface;

Fig. 17 is a transverse section of a seal similar to that shown in Fig. 16, wherein the rigid support is arranged to be secured on its outer circumference;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view illustrating the manner in which the seal shown in Fig. 16 can be associated with a special replaceable wearing member;

Fig. 19 is a. fragmentary sectional view showing the manner in which the seal shown in Fig. 17 can be associated with a special replaceable wearing member;

Figs. 20 and 21 are fragmentary sectional views showing the manner in which seals of the type shown in Figs. 16 and 17, respectively, can be mounted for sealing against a radially disposed face Fig. 22 is a transverse section of a still further modified form of sealing ring embodying the rigid supporting base and flexible sealing lips;

Fig. 23 is a. transverse sectional view showing the manner in which the seal of Fig. 22 would appear in operating relation with a renewable wearing plate;

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a practical application of the seal and wearing surface shown in Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a transverse sectional view showing the seal of Fig. 22 in association with a modied form of wearing member;

Fig. 26 is a, transverse sectional view showing the seal of Fig. 22 associated with a still further modified form oi wearing member;

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of a practical application of the sealing member of Fig. 22 in association with a wearing member of the character shown in Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a transverse sectional view of a seal similar to that shown in Fig. 22, except that the rigid supporting member is adapted to be secured on its outer circumference;

Fig. 29 is a transverse sectional view showing the sealing element of Fig. 28 in association with a renewable wearing member;

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view showing a practical application of the seal shown in Fig. 28; and

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view disclosing a -practical application of the seal and wearing member shown in Fig. 29.

For purposes of convenience in understanding the various forms of the invention disclosed herein together with the practical applications thereof. the gures of the drawings have been divided into groups, each of which will be discussed and described separately. The first group includes Figs. 1 through 9, group 2 includes Figs. 10 through l5, group 3 includes Figs. 16 through 21, group 4 includes Figs. 22 through 24, group 5 includes Figs. 25 through 27, and group 6 includes Figs. 28 through 31.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings and especially to group l, which includes Figs. l through 9, it will be observed that the rigid supporting base oi the seal of Fig. 1, which is preferably, though not necessarily, formed of metal, is indicated by the numeral i. This seal is intended to have a tight t within a cavity and thus be secured or fixed at its outer circumference. This supporting member i is preferably formed of pressed steel and has two sides positioned at substantially right angles to each other, one of which terminates in an inwardly turned lip 2 and the other likewise terminates in an inwardly turned lip 3. A flexible ring member is positioned within the sides of the metal supporting ring and is vulcanized or otherwise secured thereto at two of its sides indicated by the numerals 4 and 5.

Where the rigid support is adapted to be secured or fixed in place on its cuter circumference, the resilient sealing member is provided with an inwardly extending sealing face B which is spaced from the wall I by means of an annular groove 1. The edge of the sealing face or wall 8 terminates in a exible sealing lip B. I then preferably place an annular slit 9 in the sealing wall 6 to thus divide the wail into separate sealing lips 8 and IIJ. It is to be noted that the sealing wall is inclined inwardly in its normal position so that it forms the angle A with the axis of the shaft around which it is placed as shown in Fig. 1.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 2, it will be noted that this form of sealing ring is similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that the ring is intended to be xed on its inner circumference. In this form of the invention, the rigid supporting ring il is provided with two walls at substantially right angles to each other, one oi which terminates in an outwardly extending lip I2 and the other in an inwardly extending lip I3.- In

this case, the flexible sealing member is placed around the outside oi' the support and is vulcanized or otherwise secured thereto at its faces il and i5. The outer circumference of the ring is then provided with a exible outwardly inclined sealing face lli which is spaced from the wall I4 by means of an annular groove i1. The

ing member can 8 sealingfaceterminatesinaiiexibleseallnglin Il andls preferably provided withanannular slit Il to provide a supplemental or auxiliary sealing anddshowtheuseofthesealoflimi with a special hardened renewable wearing member or ring 2l having faces or walls22 and 2l extending at right angles to each other. The face 22 is adapted to iit tightly around a journal or shaft which has an enclosing member 2l spaced therefrom to provide a retaining cavity for the seal. As shown. the seal within the cavity so that the outer face of the support l will be pressed tightly against the inner face of the member 24, thus preventing the seal from rotating. The flexible sealing lips I and ll on the inner circumference of the seal bear against the wall 22 of the replaceable wearing member. It will be noted that. when the seal is thus inserted within the cavity. the two sealing lips Il and ill spread apart when their innermost portions engage the wall 22. Any nuid attempting to escape longitudinally of the shaft around which the ring 2l is placed will first nil the enlarged slit B and thus force the lip I against the wearing member. It will be clear when the sealing ring is thus applied to the replaceable wearing member 2lI when this wearing member becomes worn, it will be unnecessary to replace the entire shaft. The seal and its wearbe easily replaced even out in the fleld.

In Fig. 4, the sealing ring has been inserted in the cavity between the face 22 of the wearing member and the outer member 2| in a direction opposite to that shown in Fig. 3. However. in this instance, the iiuid will be prevented from flowing in the opposite direction; that is to say, that the fluid when passing along the shaft will always rst become lodged in the annular groove adjacent the sealing lips. otherwise the two structures are the same.

Fig. shows the sealing ring of Fig. 2 in association with a renewable wearing plate. In this embodiment the sealing ring with its rigid support Il will be mounted securely upon the rotating shaft and will rotate with it. A wearing member 25 will have been previously inserted in the mechanism, whereby the inner periphery of the portion 26 thereof will have the flexible sealing lips of the seal pressed thereagainst. The wearing member is hanged inwardly at one side as shown at 21, and is placed within an annular cavity formed around the shaft by reason of a member 2B. The wearing plate is rst inserted within the cavity and has a tight nt against the inner surface of the member 2li. The sealing member is then placed on the shaft and iixed thereto by reason of a tight fit so that the sealing lips Il and 2li on the outer periphery thereof will bear against the face 28 or the wearing member. Here again the outer wall of the seal will be pressed against the wearing member to such an extent that the slit Il will cause a separation of the sealing lips Il and 2l). The manner in' which the seal operates is similar to that described above with respect to Figs. 3 and 4, except that in Fig. 5, the seal rotates with the shaft, whereas in Figs. 3 and 4, the seal is stationary and the wearing member rotates with the shaft.

Fig. 6 illustrates one of the many practical applications of my improved seal. In this application a shaft 29 is provided with an enclosure shown member lll which is flanged as shown and is 76 vent duid from moving lli 6 spacedfromarotatablehub il soas anannularretainingcavltyfortheseals. sealing ringofthecharactershownini'lg. nrstlnsertedwithin the cavity andwlllhave rigid supporting member thereoibearingsecureiy is then inserted within the cavity adjacent to, and outwardly of. the nrst sealing ring. This ring, however. wiu have the rigid supporting member il thereof bearing securely against the rotating hub Il. while the exible wall with its sealing lip I8 bears against the inner wall of the enclosure ll. It will thus be seen that the inner sealing ring l will remain stationary while the outer sealing ring ll will rotate with the hub Il. It follows, therefore, that oil present within the casing for lubrication of bearing members l2 and 28 will be effectively retained therein and will be prevented from passing outwardly by reason of the sealingV capacity of the ring i. Likewise, the rotating sealing ring Il will eifectively prevent any foreign material such as mud, dirt, and the like from passing inwardly to within the housing.

Having reference now to Figs. '1, B and 9, these embodiments illustrate a few uses of the rings shown in Figs. l and 2 with respect to reciprocating mechanisms. such as pumps and the like. For example, in Fig. l there is shown a piston rod 3l adapted to reciprocate within a cylinder Il. The end of the cylinder is provided with a p I6 and an inwardly extending annular flang I1 within the cylinder. spaced from the cap, provides an annular cavity within which one or more sealing rings I may be enclosed. Leakage of fluid within the cylinder will be effectively prevented when it reaches the sealing rings I located within the cylinder. The' effectiveness of the rings in this application is similar to that explained above. The fluid will first become lodged in the annular groove, thus exerting pressure inwardly on the flexible sealing walls. The exact number of rings may obviously be varied and I do not intend to be limited to two of such rings as shown.

In Fig. 8. I have shown a piston rod 3U adapted to reciprocate within a cylinder I9. The inner end of the rod is provided with an annular shoulder Il) to provide a portion of smaller diameter as shown at Il. A head l2 is then secured to the end of the rod. thus providing an annular cavity for retention of one or more sealing rings. particularly of the character disclosed in Fig. 2. It will be noted in this case that the ilexible sealing walls bear outwardly against the inner surface of the cylinder instead of inwardly against the piston rod as shown in Fig. '7. While the sealing members of Fig. 'l remain stationary with respect to the piston rod, those in Fig. B are movable therewith.

Fig. 9 shows a still further practical application of these seals with respect to reciprocating members. In this case a piston rod I3 reciprocates within a cylinder 44 and is provided at one end with a base 45. An end member It is spaced from the base l5 in any suitable manner as long as an annular retaining cavity is provided. In this instance I have shown four of the sealing elements of Fig. 2 inserted within the retaining cavity. However, these sealing elements are so located as to be effective in sealing when moved in both directions. That is to say, the two sealing rings at the left hand end of Fig. 9 will pretoward the right. while 7 the two sealing rings at the right hand end thereof will prevent iiuid from moving toward the left.

Referring now to those modified forms of the invention disclosed in Figs. 10 to 15, inclusive, and more particularly for the moment to Fig. 10. it will be here noted that sealing member Il is made up of a rigid supporting base having an outer wall .8 and an inwardly extending flange 49 which in turn is provided with an axially extending annular rib 50. Like those seals described hereinbefore, the edges of the wall Il and the flange are turned inwardly to receive a flexible sealing member which is vulcanized or otherwise secured thereto. The resilient portion of the seal member is similar to that shown in Fig. l, and has substantially right angled wall members i and 52 whichabut against and are secured to the rigid support Il. The inner sealing Wall extends inwardly at substantially the same angle as shown at A and is provided with separate sealing lips 53 and 5I, separated by a slit 55.

In Fig. 11 is shown a sealing member similar to Fig. l0, except that a rigid supporting base Il supports the inner rather than the outer periphery of the resilient ring. In this form of the lnvention, an axially extending wall 58 has a flanged portion 59 which extends outwardly and is provided with an annular rib 60. An inner wall 6| of the resilient sealing member is secured to the wall 58 of the rigid support, while a wall B2 thereof is likewise secured to the flange 59 by vulcanizing or other desired means. The edges of the rigid support are also bent outwardly so as to aid in maintaining the resilient sealing ring in place. The outer peripheral wall of the resilient member is flared outwardly as shown by the angle A again, and has Asealing lips 83 and 64 separated by an annular slit 65. The sealing wall is spaced from the Wall 8| by means of an annular groove 6B.

Unlike the seals explained heretofore, these are mounted ,generally rather loosely in the retaining cavity and the main seal is between the rib I0 in Fig. l0 and a radially extending wearing surface, or between the rib 60 in Fig. 1l and a radially extending wearing surface. In this type of seal there is a metal-to-metal contact which serves as the sealing means. g

Fig. 12 illustrates the use of the type of seal shown in Figs. 10 and 11 in connection with a replaceable wearing surface. While it will be clear that devices like those in either Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 can be used in association with a replaceable wearing surface, the one shown in Fig. 12 is an application of the seal shown in Fig. l0. Herein is seen an annular member 61 surrounding a shaft, on the inner surface of which is located a replaceable wearing member having an axially extending face E8 and a radially extending face or flange 89. The face 68 bears snugly against the inner surface of the member 61 and the seal is inserted within the cavity provided therefor. The resilient sealing lips 53 and 54 bear against the shaft, while the rib Sil bears tightly against the radially extending iiange B8. Fluid under pressure will tend to press the seal against the flange 89 and since the sealing ring will rotate withthe shaft, a certain amount of wear will be caused as between the rib 50 and the flange 69. It will be evident that either the wearing surface or the seal or both may be easily replaced after becoming worn.

Other applications of this type of seal are shown in Figs. 13, 14, and 15, to which reference wilinowbemade. Figs. land 14 discloseao'ommon gear-type hydraulic pump having a shaft Il thereon. A bearing 1| lubricated in the usual manner. bearing, a plate 12 having a radially inwardly extending flange Il thereon is located and secured. This form of plate then leaves an annular cavity 14 between the flange 'Il and the bearing. As stated before, this type of seal is to be used cspecially when dealing with fluids under pressure. The seal Il is mounted loosely on the shaft within the cavity M so that when the oil. or other fluid under pressure bears against the seal, it will be free to move longitudinally of the shaft so that its rib lll will bear tightly against the inner surface of the flange 1I. Likewise, the pressure of the fluid will become lodged in the annular grooveadiacent the resilient sealing face and thus exert pressure against the sealing lips. 'I'his type of seal has been found very eil'ective in preventing leakage of fluid under pressure. i

Fig. 15 discloses a practical application of the type of seal shown in Fig. 11, wherein a shaft 1I is provided with an integral radially extending flange 16. A member 'I1 surrounds the shaft and the flange thus providing a cavity 'IB within which the sealing member is to be located. Here again. the sealing ring is loosely mounted within the eavity but the resilient outer sealing face thereof, instead of bearing against the shaft will bear outwardly against the inner peripheral surface of the member l1. Here again, fluid pressure will force the sealing member to be moved longitudinally of the shaft and will cause the rib 60 thereof to bear against the flange 16, thus causing an effective seal in the same manner as explained above. with respect to Fig. 14.

Reference will now be had to the third group or modified form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 16 to 21, inclusive. The seals heretofore discussed have been so designed as to have their resilient sealing walls bear radially either outwardly or inwardly against a relatively rotating or reciprocating surface. 'I'he seals, however. which will now be discussed are so formed and molded that their resilient sealing faces exert pressure in an axial direction against radially extending wearing surfaces. For example, in Fig. 16, a rigid supporting base I9 is provided with an axially extending inner wall 8B and an outwardly extending flange 8i. The resilient or flexible portion of the seal is Drovided with two walls 82 and 83, which are secured such as by vulcanlzing or in any other desired manner. to the respective wall and flange $0. and 8i of the rigid support. The resilient sealing face extends outwardly in a substantially radial direction, but is ared so as to form the angle A be tween a plane passing through the face and one passing perpendicular-ly through the sl'mft on which the seal is to be mounted. 'I'he sealing face is provided with a plurality of sealing lips such as Il and 85, divided by an annular slit 8B, which lips are spaced from the wall 83 by means of an annular groove B1. In this form of the invention, it will be clear that the sealing ring is to be mounted snugly on a rotating shaft to rotate therewith so that the lips Il and B5 will seal against uid movement 4by bearing against a stationary radially extending wearing surface.

In Fig. 17, the rigid supporting ring is so designed as to fit snugly into a retaining cavity and be held stationary with respect to a rotating shaft which will have integral with, or secured thereto. a radially extending wearing surface. In this form a rigid supporting ring 88 has a radially insurrounds the shaft and is Adjacent the 9 wardly extending face 89 and an axially extending outer face 90. The resilient or flexible portion of the ring is secured by means of its two walls 9| and 22 to the rigid support. The wiping or sealing face has a plurality of lips 03 and 94 separated by an annular slit 90. This face is then in turn spaced from the wall I by means of an annular groove 90. Likewise, the sealing face is flared' outwardly to form the angle .A as previously de scribed.

Fig. 18 discloses the use of the sealing member shown in Fig. 16 in association with a replaceable wearing member 91, which has an outer annular wall 92 and a radially inwardly extending flange 90. The sealing ring and the wearing member are inserted in an annular cavity provided by a member 99a which surrounds the shaft in spaced relation thereto. Ihe inner wall 00 of the supporting base will bear snugly against the rotating shaft and will rotate the seal therewith, while the sealing lips B4 and 05 thereof will bear in an axial direction against the stationary flange 00. Here again, any fluid passing along the shaft will be diverted into the annular groove of the sealing member and thus exert additional pressure against the sealing lips and will thus prevent leakage of the fluid in the same manner as explained above with respect to the other forms of the seal.

In Fig. 19, I have shown a replaceable wearing member |00 having one wall I0| adapted to fit snugly over the shaft and rotate therewith and which has a radially outwardly extending flange |02. Here the cavity is provided between the outer member |03 and the shaft. The supporting ring of the seal is of the character shown in Fig. 17 and has its outer face 90 bearing against the inner surface of the member |03. The sealing lips 93 and 84 bear in an axial direction against the flange |02.- The sealing ring in this case will remain stationary while the wearing surface rotates with the shaft. The ease with which the sealing ring and/ or the replaceable wearing members can be removed after having become worn and replaced with new members will be obvious.

Figs. 20 and 21 respectively disclose other practical applications of the specific forms of rings shown in Figs. 16 and 17. Referring first to Fig. 20, there is disclosed a shaft |04 around which a member I 05 is located. which has integral therewith an inwardly extending flange |00. The seal ing ring shown in Fig. 16 is located within the retaining cavity between the member |05 and the shaft, the inner wall 00 thereof bearing snugly against the shaft and rotating therewith. The wiping and sealing lips 8l and B5 will bear against the inner surface of the radially extending ange |00 thus causing an effective seal.

In Fig. 21, a shaft |01 is surrounded by a member |00 having an inwardly extending flange |09. A radially outwardly extending wearing member or flange ||0 is provided integral with the shaft |01 and the sealing ring shown in Fig. l'l is located within the retainin cavity. The sealing lips exert pressure in an a al direction against one side of the flange ||0. It will be noted in this case that the wearing surface rotates with the shaft, while the sealing ring remains stationary. However. the same effective seal is maintained. In Fig. 20, the seal used will prevent fluid such as lubricating oil from passing outwardly and the seal as used in Fig. 2l is illustrative of the manner in which foreign materials such as mud and dirt are prevented from reaching'the inside of the housing.

Referring now to Fig. 22. a slightly different form of sealing member is disclosed, wherein a very effective seal has been designed without the necessity of having two sides of the flexible member separated by an annular groove. 22 to 31, inclusive, refer to this general form of seal in association with various forms of replaceable wearing members, and illustrate the two specific types, wherein the seal may either rotate with the shaft or remain thereto. In Fig. 22, the rigid supporting member l is of a slightly different form than those heretofore described, in that it is provided with an axially extending wall ||2 and a radially outwardly extending wall H3. Each of these walls terminate in outturned lips which grasp the main body portion Il of the flexible portion of the seal. The flexible ring portion, however, is molded into a different shape but is still secured in substantially the same manner to the rigid support; that is, by means such as vulcanizing, or the like.

The flexible portion of the ring is substantially triangular in cross-section, as shown, and is provided with an outer angularly disposed peripheral wall ||5 and a sealing wall or face adjacent thereto, which face is divided into a plurality of sealing lips IIB, ||1, and H0, separated from each other by slits o! the character heretofore described and indicated at ||9 and |20.

In viewing Fig. 22, it will be noted that the sealing face is angular-ly disposed with respect to a plane passing perpendicularly through the shaft on which the seal is to be mounted. This angle is indicated by the letter B and is preferably much larger than the angle A oi the other seals described heretofore.

In this type of seal which is adapted to fit snugly around a shaft and rotate therewith, the sealing lips are adapted to bear against a radially disposed wearing surface or plate which may or may not be of a replaceable nature. It is preferable, however, that the wearing plate be replaceable as hereinafter described.

Fig. 23 discloses one application of this form of sealing member with respect to a replaceable wearing |2|. In this instance, the plate will remain stationary while the sealing member rotates with the shaft and since the plate bears against the sealing wall with considerable pressure, the lips H0, lll and H8 will tend to spread apart, this action being permitted by reason of the slits H9 and |20.

Al practical application of this type of seal and replaceable wearing member is shown in Fig. 24, wherein a shaft |22 is provided which may have a shoulder |23 thereon to provide an abutment for the bearing |24. After the bearing is in place as shown, the replaceable wearing plate |2| is placed over the shaft and will abut against the bearing. An annular member |25 having an axially disposed rib |20 thereon may then be located as shown so that the rib thereof will bear against a portion of the outer periphery of the plate |2|, thus holding it in place. The sealing member, comprising the rigid support and the resilient portion III, is then fitted snugly over the shaft |22 and is pressed against the plate |2| with the sealing lips thereof in contact therewith. The sealing lips then spread apart due to such pressure and thereby provide an effective seal both against the entrance of foreignmatter from the outside and leakage of fluid from the inside.

Fig. 25 shows the same type of se'al as that shown in Fig. 22 with its rigid supporting member All of Figs.

stationary with respect and the flexible portion ||4 secured thereto but with a modiiled form of replaceable wearing plate. This wearing plate is indicated by the numeral |21 and is provided with an axially extending outer wall |29 and a flange |29, which extends radially inwardly. The sealing lips of the flexible portion of the seal are adapted to bear against the ilange |29 and thus form an effective seal in the manner explained above.

Fig. 26 discloses the use of the same sealing ring in combination with a still further modified form of replaceable wearing plate. `This plate, indicated by the numeral |30, has an axially extending outer wall |3| which terminates in an outwardly extending flange |92. Another wall or wearing face |93 extends radially inwardly as shown and is the wall against which the flexible sealing lips bear in order to form an effective seal.

Fig. 2'1 discloses a practical application of the replaceable wearing plate |30 together with two of the sealing rings. In this application oi' the seal, a shaft |34 may be provided with an annularr shoulder |35 against which a bearing |96 may abut. The wearing plate |30 is then passed over the shaft with its outwardly extending flange |32 abutting against the bearing |95. The outer wall lll thereof will then extend outwardly away from the bearing and the wearing i'ace |99 will extend radially inwardly toward the shaft. An external annular member |31 having a rib |38 extending from one side thereof will then be located as shown so that the rib will bear firmly against the ange |32 of the wearing plate. The various parts may then be secured together by means such as a bolt |99 in order to hoid.the plate against movement. The inner sealing ring ||4 will have the ilexible sealing lips thereof bear forceably against one side of the flange |39, while the outer sealing ring will be placed over the shaft in the opposite direction to enable the flexible sealing lips thereof to bear forceably against the outer side of the same ange. When two such similar sealing members are thus assembled, it will be clear that one will prevent leakage of lubricating iiuid from the inside and the other will prevent entrance of foreign matter from the outside.

Fig. 28 discloses a similar form of sealing ring except that it is adapted to remain stationary with respect to the rotating shaft which it surrounds. In this form of the invention a rigid supporting ring |49 is provided with an axially extending outer wall |4| and another wall |42 which extends radially inwardly. As in previous constructions, each oi these walls terminates in an inturned lip which aids in retaining the body portion of a flexible ring |48. An inner wall I 44 of the iiexible ring |42 extends angularly inwardly while the sealing wall adjacent thereto is also angularly disposed with respect to a plane passing perpendicularly through a shaft which the ring surrounds at substantially the same angle B as mentioned above. Here again, the sealing wall is divided into a plurality of sealing lips such as at |45. |40 and |41 which may be separated from each other by means oi slits |48 and |49.

Fig. 29 discloses the appearance of the sealing ring of Fig. 28 when associated with a replaceable wearing plate such as shown at |50.

Fig. 30 illustrates one application of the type of scaling ring shown in Fig. 28, wherein a shaft is provided at one point along its length with an annular shoulder |52. A replaceable wearing member having two radially extending anges |52 and |54 connected by an axially extending wail |55 is then placed over the shaft so that the ange |54 abuts against the shoulder |52. A bearing |59 is then placed against the flange |54 as shown and may be held in place by means of an outer member |51 which may be secured in place by any desired means. The sealing ring as shown in Fig. 28 is disposed within the annular cavity made by the member |51, the outer wall thereof bearing snugly against the inner surface as shown in Fig. 30. The sealing lips of the exible member |49 will then bear forceabiy against the outwardly extending iiange |58 oi' the wearing member. In this case the wearing member will rotate with the shaft while the sealing ring remains stationary and the sealing effect is accomplished in the same manner as described above with respect to the other seals.

Fig. 31 illustrates a practical application of the combination of parts shown in Fig. 29, wherein a shaft |50 has an annular shoulder |59 against which the replaceable wearing member |50 is located. A bearing |60 is then placedV thereagainst and is held in place by means of an outer member ISI, which has an inwardly extending fiange |92 thereon. This flange then bears against one side of the bearing |60 as shown. A supporting ring |40 with its exible ring |49 then bears against the inner annular surface of the member |B| to thus maintain the seal against rotation. The sealing lips |45. |48 and |41 bear forceably against the surface of the wearing plate |50 and will spread apart by reason of the slits |48 and |49, thus causing an eil'ective seal against .the entrance of foreign matter.

While all of the seals described herein with the various modifications shown embody speciacally different forms of the invention, it will be clear that they perform the sealing operation by utilization of the same basic principles. 'nie different forms are merely for the purpose o! meeting the many different fluid seal problems of modern design and are all capable of functioning in the presence of variations in machining and misalignment of parts.

'I'he composition of which the flexible ring of these seals is formed is an important consideration. They must first have oil resisting characteristics and simultaneously have wear and heat resisting qualities. The ordinary rubber or fibrous seals in use at the present time do not meet these specifications and therefore cannot be used. The preferred compound in general has been disclosed in my zo-pending application, Serial Number 475,376, led February 10, i943, wherein it was explained that synthetics such as "Neoprene," "Dum-ene, 'I'hiokol, Hycar," and the like, may be used. It is advisable, however, to substitute for a portion Vof the lampbiack customarily used as a filler, an amount of a powdered anti-friction metal such as bronze or brass. This metal must be capable not only of resisting wear but also must have a characteristic which will permit it to act as a filler in the same manner as does the lampblack.

Up until the present time seals which have been used for purposes mentioned herein have embodied longitudinal or axially extending sealing faces. I have discovered, however, that radially dispod sealing faces. for example like those disclosed in Figs. 22 and 29, oifer many advantages. One of these advantages is that the sealing quality of these radially disposed seals is not aii'ected by the centrifugal forces rising out of high-speed rotation common to modern mechanisms. Furthermore by reason of their rotative asiaass 13 forces, they have a tendency to throw out any accumulation of dirt or other foreign materials, a condition that frequently causes rapid wear and scoring of parts where seals used employ the longitudinal axially disposed sealing faces.

It will be clear from the foregoing description that many novel features of construction are here present in my invention and that numerous advantages are attained by the use thereof. Other forms of the invention, of course, may occur to those skilled in the art. However. it is not deemed that any such changes made in the the specific forms disclosed herein will depart from the spirit of the invention, provided, however, that such changes come within the scope of the appended claims.

The phrase "detachable wearing member as employed in the ensuing claims is designed to designate a unit or assembly detachably secured to one of a plurality of relatively rotatable parts at a juncture such as to engage a relatively movable seal element whereby wear damage caused by said seal element will be absorbed by said unit or assembly and can be repaired by simply replacing said unit or assembly.

I claim:

l` In a mechanism of the class described having a rotating shaft therein and means providing an annular retaining cavity around said shaft, a sealing device mounted loosely within said cavity comprising a rigid supporting ring, an annular rib extending from one side of said ring in an axial direction, a flexible annular sealing face on an adjacent side of said ring. and a radially extending flange adjacent said ring, said ring and said flange having nelative rotative movement, whereby fluid pressure against said ring will force the rib thereon against said flange in sealing'relation thereto.

2. A sealing device of the class described oomprising. a relatively rigid supporting ring having at least two walls, one extending generally axially and another generally radially, a flexible sealing member secured to said supporting ring and adapted to permit appreciable lateral displacement thereof, and a generally annular sealing rib on one of said walls of said supporting ring adapted to engage a suitable coacting surface.

3. In a seal construction of the general type described an annulus adapted to ilt loosely about a member and laterally movably within a cavity, and an annular protuberance on one broad surface of said annulus adapted to sealingly engage abutment structure and to shift laterally thereon.

4. A seal construction of the type described comprising an annulus adapted to t loosely about a member and laterally movably within a cavity, a flexible ring mounted at least in part on one broad surface of said annulus, a sealing surface on said flexible ring disposed in a generally axial direction but inclined thereto, adapted to engage a cooperating surface, and a generally annular protuberance on the other broad surface of said annulus adapted to sealingly engage abutting structure and to shift laterally thereon in accordance with the dictates of said sealing surface engaging said cooperating surface.

5. A sealing device of the type described comprising a support ring having a wall extending generally axially and another wall extending generally radially,` a flexible ring mounted upon said support ring in engagement with said walls, said exible ring having, in cross section, substantially four generally plane sides, two ot which meet at an angle of appreciably less than degrees, and at least one annular slit on one of said sides so meeting, the arrangement being such that said slltted side is adapted to angularly engage a cooperating member under substantial pressure whereby said side is flexed causing said slit to spread to provide a sealing lip and an accompanying material receiving cavity intermediate the peripheral edges of said side.

6. A sealing device for two relatively movable parts forming a, cavity therebetween, comprising: annulus means adapted to fit loosely within said cavity; a flexible ring mounted on said annulus means and having an annular sealing lip, said ring having such diameter relative to one of said parts that said lip is deformed from its normal free position by lnterengagement with said one part when said sealing device is assembled with said parts, whereby said annulus means and said ring may shift with respect to the dei'lning walls of said cavity and still provide a seal; and a. continuous protuberance on one broad surface of said annulus means adapted to sealingly engage abutment structure.

7. A sealing device for two relatively movable parts forming a cavity therebetween, comprising: annulus means adapted to fit loosely within said cavity; a ring having a body portion formed of resilient material and mounted on said annulus means, said ring having an annular lip tapering in cross-section from said body portion to a feathered edge and providing a sealing surface which is adapted to lie along one of said parts, said lip having such diameter relative to said one part that said lip is deformed from its normal free position when said sealing device is assembled with said parts whereby said sealing surface bears against said one part with pressure created by the resiliency of said lip, yet providing for shifting of said annulus means lwith respect to the defining Walls of said cavity, and said lip having slit means extending inwardly from said sealing surface, said slit means being constructed and arranged to open when said lip bears against said one part to form at least one additional sealing edge and collecting pocket spaced from said feathered edge; and a, continuous protuberance on a broad surface of said annulus means adapted to sealingly engage abutment structure.

8. A sealing device. comprising: a rigid supporting ring having at least two walls, one extending axially and the other radially; a sealing ring, of flexible material, having a body portion, surfaces of which bear against surfaces of said walls, said sealing ring having an annular groove intermediate its inner and outer peripheries, providing an annular sealing lip adapted to engage a member to be sealed, said sealing lip having such diameter relative to said member that said sealing device may shift a predetermined amount transversely with respect to the axis of said member and still provide a seal; and said radially extending wall of said rigid supporting ring being provided with a continuous projection on the surface opposite to that engaged by said sealing ring and adapted to sealingly engage abutment structure.

9. A sealing device for two relatively movable parts, comprising: a replaceable wear member, adapted to be carried by one of said parts; sealing means. adapted to be carried by the other of said parts, having a. body portion and a peripheral lip tapering in cross-section from said body portion to a feathered sealing edge and providing a sealing surface which includes said feathered annees edge and which bears against an adjacent surface of said replaceable wear member, and said lip having slit means extending from said sealing surface inwardly of said lip, said slit means being constructed and arranged to open under pressure applied to said lip to iorm at least one sealing edge and a collecting pocket spaced from said feathered edge. f

JOSEPH F. JOY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

Number 10 Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Hubbard July 28, 1936 Fretter Apr. 6, 1943 Victor et al Sept. 5, 1939 Gits Sept. 5, 1933 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date British Mar. 9, 1938 British Oct. 24, 1940 British Sept. 29. 1938 German Aug. 6, 1940 British Aug. 18, 1936 

